The new innovation Navitimer 8 launched earlier this year deviated from the familiar characteristics of Breitling timepieces. The newly appointed CEO of the brand, George Kern, decided to push the boundaries and bring the Breitling model out of the comfort zone. He wanted to create something brand new for their collection.
Whittle Aviation Department
The core and soul of the Navitimer 8 series is the Huit aviation department founded in 1938 by Willy Breitling, the grandson of the founder of Breitling. He recognized the strict requirements for timing instruments when flying in harsh and intense environments. Navitimer 8 pays tribute to this department. The watches in this series are equipped with high-precision movements that can perform well even in the most demanding environments.
Retro charm
Although pilot watches are usually equipped with large dials, Navitimer 8 takes a simpler approach. All unnecessary details have been removed from the dial, and only the essentials have been retained. Navitimer 8 Automatic 41 has a simple and refined dial. The modern sunburst dial is decorated with vintage Arabic numerals, creating a stunning minimalist work. Other models, even chronographs, have an exquisite appearance, and the 3 sub-registers undoubtedly add a retro style.
Ergonomics
Breitling watches are known for their masculine style, large case size and sports watch aesthetics. However, the “manly” appearance of Navitimer 8 is not as powerful as it has shortened and slender lugs and a perfectly round case, which brings a more retro look. The case sizes are 41, 43 and 46 mm, which are the standard men’s sizes. The curved lugs and reduced case depth mean that the case fits the wrist better.
Breitling Aviation Chronograph 8
As a brand with more than 130 years of watch history, Breitling is one of the well-known brands of Swiss-made watches and an official supplier to the aviation industry. As the inventors of modern chronographs, they have an enviable honor and are the only brand to equip all their major models with chronometer-certified movements.
However, nearly a year after Breitling’s new CEO, Georges Kern, took office, Breitling’s history seemed to have been rewritten again.
The new series injects new vitality, makes full use of its pioneering tradition, is more modern, and has a simpler design, ready to bring new vitality to your watch wardrobe.
Enter the new Navitimer 8 series.
Whittle Aviation Department
Only partly inspired by the iconic 1952 Navitimer series, the difference between the new Navitimer 8 and the original is that there is no famous aviation slide rule-making the dial cleaner and more elegant.
To find its real inspiration, we need to delve into the history of the brand; back in 1938, when the Huit aviation department within Breitling had the sole purpose of designing cockpit instruments for aircraft. Translated from French; “Huit” means “8” and originally referred to the 8-day power reserve of their aircraft chronograph.
Tribute to the early Breitling pilot watches
Drawing design inspiration from early Breitling models, vintage dials and notched bezels are where you can see the historical influence of your work. The new series also draws on the “railtrack” minute markers, elegant numbers and paired legibility of the Breitling model 768; key timepieces from the 1940s.
The new Navitimer 8 series is not only to commemorate their glorious tradition, but also to commemorate their role in the production of timing instruments during World War II. The new Navitimer 8 series is a clean, retro-style masterpiece. Moreover, since Kern arrived at Breitling headquarters, marking the end of the brand’s quartz production, all new models are equipped with chronometer-certified mechanical movements.
Navitimer 8 series
The Navitimer 8 series consists of different styles and models, each with its own unique personality.
Marine timer 8 B01
This Navitimer 8 B01 is equipped with Breitling’s iconic self-made 01 self-winding movement. It is a powerful chronograph with a striking retro style.
Breitling-made 01 automatic movement
-Contrast dial
-43 mm case
-100m waterproof
-70 hours power reserve
Navitimer 8 Chronograph
The Navitimer 8 Chronograph is a model designed to be easier to use than the B01, powered by a modified Valjoux movement that is COSC-certified and accurate to 1/4 second.
Calibre 13 automatic movement
-Monochrome dial design
-43 mm case
-100m waterproof
-42 hours power reserve
Navitimer 8 automatic watch
The Navitimer 8 Automatic is simple and lively, and is a direct descendant of the Breitling pilot watches of the 1930s and 1940s.
Calibre 17 automatic movement
-41 mm case
-100m waterproof
-40 hours power reserve